20 reasons to be thankful this Christmas

There is so much to be thankful for in this life! The fact that you can read this blog means you can read and there are millions of people around the world who would do anything for that ability. Often it’s the simple things in life that are some of the things in which we should be most thankful for. The roof over our head as we sleep, the clean drinking water we have from our taps, the food on our plate, the car in our garage, the iPhone that we love and that sweet heavenly goodness called coffee we had this morning. The list is endless, but the truth is we’re often not conscious of the good things in our lives but rather the things in our life that frustrate, annoy and disappoint us. 

Christmas time should be a time full of thankfulness and joy! We celebrate that Jesus Christ our Lord and saviour, the creator of the world, came from heaven to earth as a baby to save mankind. Think about that...the creator of the world in all His majesty humbly came to earth as a baby, a baby born with a purpose, a purpose to die. Jesus would go on to demonstrate His love for us by dying on a cross, living a perfect life yet labelled as guilty, so that we who were guilty could be made innocent and be in relationship with Jesus. This is good news friends, we can’t earn His love, we don’t work our way up to Jesus because He came to us! 

For many people Christmas day is not an easy day, it’s marked by the loss of a loved one, financial hardship, health challenges, marriage breakdowns and many other factors which can make this festive season difficult. What great news that Jesus is interested in whatever hardship you may be facing this season! No matter how difficult life may be for you at the moment there many things to be thankful for in life, it’s just a matter of perspective.  

It’s liberating to look intentionally for all the blessings in our lives compared to being cynical, selfish, ungrateful and negative (which is naturally our default). As an Australian who has been greatly blessed I think it’s important to consistently remember those who are not as fortunate as myself when it comes to resources. I have a responsibility to do something with my blessings to make the world a better place and hopefully help those who are not as blessed with resource as myself. 

I have been to multiple third world countries and let me tell you the people who live in the slums have many reasons to joyless but they seem to have more joy than most Aussies I know! Perspective is everything friends. No matter how little money is in the bank account or how hard you think your life is there is always someone else doing it tougher. 

Just like little kids make lists for Santa, I thought I’d make a list but a different kind of list, a thankful list. Even writing this list helped change my perspective this Christmas season and was a reminder of how blessed we truly are. Hopefully as you read this list it will remind you and challenge you to be thankful around this time of year.  

1. Family - They’ve been there for me through every chapter of my life. I love them lots! 
2. My wife - Words can’t describe how amazing she is, she’s my life partner, fellow adventurer and she loves Jesus. 
3. Clean water - Millions of children die because they don’t have access to clean drinking water, yet I’ve got an endless supply. 
4. Our apartment - I don’t have to worry about a roof over my head when I sleep. I know so many don’t have a place to stay and would only dream of having somewhere to call home. 
5. The ability to read and write - I’m so grateful for the ability to read and write, it means I can learn and communicate easily. When so many are illiterate, I’m blessed to be able to put a pen to paper. 
6. Peace - I live in a country that is safe, protected and I don’t walk around in fear of terrorism.  
7. Freedom - Generations before me payed a price for my freedom. That price was often their lives… WOW. I have a responsibility to use this freedom for the good of others.  
8. Food - I’m only ever hungry because of my lack of preparation. Food is accessible whenever I want, I don’t wake up wondering where my next meal will come from.  
9. Furniture - I don’t have the best furniture in the world but I have the basics like a couch, bed and dining room table. These may seem like everyday mundane items but these are luxury items for millions of people around the world.  
10. Blogging - I get to share and create content that encourages and helps people. Blogging is one of my favourite things to do as I get to connect with you. I’m humbled that people would even read what I write and am so thankful for that! 
11. Clothing - I’m writing this in board shorts after going for a swim. I have a cupboard full of very large clothes for all seasons. Even though they aren’t fancy or expensive branded clothing, I have clothes and am not in lack!  
12. Friends - Relationships are the greatest form of wealth and I have many. All my best memories are full of my amazing friends. 
13. Gym - Training keeps me healthy, keeps me fresh and I love the challenge of trying to improve every time I train. I want to keep getting better and am thankful for the ability to train. 
14. Health - I’m healthy, my wife is healthy and apart from the odd cough or cold we have no health scares. Many in our world unfortunately do though, we continue to uplift them in prayer and look to support them.  
15. Doctors - In our first month of marriage Tayla went to the hospital three times because she had picked up a serious virus from overseas. It was scary as a newlywed couple, but our medical system was amazing. I don’t take for granted the accessibility of doctors, medicine, hospitals and the confidence I have in our medical system when millions die from curable illnesses around the world.  
16. Technology - Today I called my family on FaceTime to wish them a merry christmas as we are not in the same state. I watch what my friends got up to on the other side of the world through social media. Technology is incredible and can be used for so much good!  
17. Electricity - Let’s be honest...what would the world look like without it? Try to imagine your life without it now. Think about all the people around the world who don’t have access to electricity. So tonight when you turn on your bedroom light at the flick of a switch, be thankful.  
18. Church - In this short blog post I couldn’t begin to put into words my thankfulness for the local church. I want to spend my life serving the local church and I think Bill Hybels describes the church beautifully when he says, “The church is the hope of the world." 
19. Police - I am thankful to have a police force who protect and serve the citizens. We largely live in safety because of the police force.  
20. Transport - If I want a coffee, I jump in my car and head down to my local cafe. People walk hours upon hours to fetch drinking water yet I can drive anywhere I want too. When my car isn’t available I have a bike, tram, taxi, bus and train available to use, many don’t have these simple things.  

The greatest thing I am thankful for is Jesus! He entered into a scene that was not fit for a saviour when He was born. He was born in a manger where the animals sleep at night. He didn't come with trumpets sounding and born in the most prestigious neighbour, He entered the world in a very humble way. Jesus wants to be in relationship with you friend. He is the saviour of the world. Would we be full of thankfulness this Christmas and live a life of gratitude. 

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